Dissecting Dense Paragraphs: Identifying Function and Focus

What is a topic sentence in a paragraph?

• A quote used to support a fact

• The main idea of the paragraph

• The first sentence of the paragraph

• A sentence that repeats earlier points

What's the purpose of supporting evidence?

• To add random details

• To give background stories

• To prove the topic sentence

• To distract from the main point

Which word signals a shift or transition?

• Finally

• For example

• However

• Truly

What makes a paragraph “dense”?

• It uses short, easy sentences

• It has a lot of abstract ideas

• It starts with a question

• It repeats the topic sentence

Why do authors shift tone in a paragraph?

• To confuse readers

• To summarize a section

• To change their topic

• To guide readers’ perspective

Which would most likely be supporting evidence?

• A. “In my opinion, this is wrong.”

• B. “Students must learn more.”

• C. “A 2023 study found a 15% drop.”

• D. “Clearly, things are getting worse.”

Which sentence is most likely the topic sentence?

• The effects were immediate and widespread.

• Studies revealed a major spike in flooding.

• Climate change has reshaped weather patterns globally.

• For example, 2022 had record-breaking rainfall.

Which detail best supports the idea that sleep affects school focus?

• Many students struggle with early school start times.

• Teens need 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night.

• Well-rested teens say they feel more focused in class.

• Some schools are giving students less nightly homework.

What kind of transition is “as a result”?

• It introduces an example

• It signals a cause

• It compares two ideas

• It shows an effect

A paragraph starts with facts but ends with “These are real lives at stake.” What happened?

• The author added a source

• The tone shifted to emotional

• A new topic was introduced

• The evidence became biased